The Galax Police Department has received reports of a scam targeting the Hispanic community.
According to a police report, several Spanish-speaking citizens have reported receiving phone calls from subjects stating that their AEP electricity bill is overdue.
“They are asking citizens to go to Walmart and purchase a prepaid card and call them back with the information to pay their electric bill,” the report said. “This is a scam. Always pay utility bills as you would any other time.”
Prepaid cards are popular among thieves because they are not traceable. Once the thieves have the numbers on the card, they have the money, police said.